Microgrants

Repair the World with an

NVHC Social Action Microgrant

Have you ever thought “I wish I could do something to help repair the world?”

Tikkun Olam is important even on a small or micro scale.

You could knit caps for babies in underserved communities.
You could send note cards to isolated seniors.
You could send small gifts to teens at small Jewish communities hit by natural disasters.

What could YOU do?

SAC Microgrants could make it possible!

Microgrants range from $25 to $250 for projects that are designed to “repair the world.”

Are you age 12 or older?
Are you or is your family a member of NVHC?

If you answered YES to these two questions, you are eligible for an NVHC micro grant!

Applicants may apply individually or in groups (one application per group). These grants are not available for b’nai mitzvah projects.

Brainstorm with us!

Not sure if your idea qualifies? The Microgrant Committee will be happy to brainstorm with you. Just let us know and we’ll schedule a call.

“Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor, v’lo atah ben chorin l’hivatel mimena” – “You are not expected to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Rabbi Tarfon, Pirkei Avot 2:21)

Apply for a microgrant and make a difference.

Application for Microgrant

We will review grants as they come in on a rolling basis and will make grants for suitable projects for as long as we have funds available.

Here is what the application looks like. To download a Word version of the application to fill out and send back to us, click here . See the guidance for the application below.

Name ___________________________________________________________

Email address ____________________________________________________

Home address ____________________________________________________

Best phone number to reach you ______________________________________

NVHC member? Yes No

Age if younger than 18 ______ If student, what school do you attend? ____________________

Project Title: ___________________________________________________________________

Project Description:

Purpose? Why this project? Who will benefit?

Are you doing this project alone or with others? Please name them.

What steps or activities are included?

_______________________________________________________________________________

Funding: How much microgrant funding are you requesting? Please describe how you will use the funds?

______________________________________________________________________________

Timeline: When do you plan to start and complete your project?

_______________________________________________________________________________

Evaluation: How will you assess the results of your project?

_______________________________________________________________________________

*Microgrants can range from $25.00 to $250.00. Applicants requesting $100.00 or more will meet with an NVHC Change subcommittee to discuss the project.

(Download a word version of the application by clicking the “apply now” button in the box on the right).

Microgrant Guidance

Purpose

Support projects of NVHC youth and adults that have a social action focus.
Promote temple and broader community engagement.
Encourage creativity, inspire innovation.
Encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Grant amounts

$25 to $250

Eligibility

NVHC youth (age 12 and above) and NVHC adults
Parents can apply for funds for projects involving children younger than 12.
Applicants can apply individually or with a group (one application per group)
B’nai Mitzvah projects are not eligible for microgrant funding.

Project review and approval

A SAC microgrant subcommittee of at least three SAC members vets project proposals and approves microgrants up to $100.
The subcommittee vets and makes recommendations for a vote by the full SAC on proposals for larger projects.

Criteria for grant award

Applicant needs funding to start and carry out the project.
Projects are designed to fulfill the purposes set forth above.

Requirements

Complete and submit the Microgrant Application.
Applicants seeking over $100 will make an oral presentation to the microgrant subcommittee and other SAC members as desired.

Potential projects (examples)

Create an opportunity for interfaith dialogue—e.g., reach out to a youth group from another faith community, plan and carry out a program on a topic of mutual interest (use money for refreshments)
Learn to conduct relational meetings and set up meetings (use money for refreshments)
Organize a group of students to knit scarves for the Cornerstones Coat Drive (use money for yarn)
Organize a book drive for students at a temple in a disaster area (use money to ship the books)
Organize a group of students to write cards to children at hospitals during Chanukah/soldiers at Chanukah (money for supplies and postage).
Organize a talent show to be performed at a senior center (use grant for refreshments)
More ideas welcome!